Treating the effects of skin cancer cosmetically

While maintaining the health of your skin is a lifelong endeavor that takes dedication and commitment, nothing is more important than protecting your skin from the sun and its damaging rays. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is among the main contributors to skin cancer, although UV rays from tanning salons and sunlamps can also pose a risk.

Dr. Gabriel will meet with you to examine your skin, review your medical history, and find the most fitting solution for your skincare needs. He is well versed in a variety of treatment options, and can offer you a personalized approach that will be both cosmetically and functionally healing, while also providing a boost in self-confidence.

Types of skin cancer

There are three types of skin cancers to be aware of: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, affecting close to 100,000 people in the US annually.

Squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common variety of skin cancer, affects around 200,000 Americans annually. Melanoma is considered the most lethal form of skin cancer, and afflicts approximately 55,000 people per year in our country.

Identifying skin cancer

If you have moles, it’s important to keep an eye on them regularly, as they may become malignant over time. A malignant melanoma will appear dark in color, with an irregular shape. You may see crusting or bleeding.

Suspicious looking moles can be biopsied in order to determine if they are cancerous. If cancer cells are found, then you are referred to a MOHS surgeon who can remove them.

Treatment for skin cancer

Treatment for skin cancer will vary according the client’s condition, aesthetic goals and lifestyle. The doctor will suggest surgery, radiation, topical chemotherapy or laser therapy.

Surgery: Surgery is highly effective for skin cancer, as the offending cells can simply be cut out of the body with ease. If the cancer is completely removed via excision, then no further treatment will be needed.

Vbeam laser: The Vbeam laser beams pulverize the offending cells, which are then discarded by the body as waste. The Vbeam simultaneous cools the surrounding non-offending cells, keeping them healthy and intact.

Mohs reconstruction surgery: After Mohs micrographic surgery, which removes the skin cancer in precise layers, a plastic surgeon may be called in to complete Mohs reconstructive surgery on the skin left behind.

Cryosurgery: Here, liquid nitrogen is applied to the abnormal cells, freezing them out of existence. More than one session may be required, depending on the size of the growth. While cryosurgery is considered fairly painless, some clients may experience minor swelling afterwards.

Skin grafting: If a significant cancer is removed, the wound may require a skin graft in order to close it and create an attractive appearance for the remaining skin. In this case, a piece of healthy skin from another area of the body is transferred to the cancer site, replacing that which was removed.

Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID-19

To our patients and members of the community;

We have been following COVID-19 closely and we have implemented the following precautions to protect our staff, patients and the people of our community.

If you or a family member is or has been recently ill, please call and reschedule any non-urgent appointment. Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to a cold and may include: fever, cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. You can obtain more information regarding the virus at the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

If you are not ill, but would be more comfortable rescheduling your appointment, please call us and we will be happy assist

For our part, we will continue our normal business practice of infection prevention.